Plans by the Federal Drug Administration to outlaw methanol-flavored cigarettes and cigars will never work. The underground economy will always provide what consumers want, regardless of Big Brother. Drug cartels will just add methanol flavored cigarettes and cigars to marijuana, cocaine and human trafficking for smuggling across the border.
Hundreds of millions in advertising by government and health organizations have been spent over past decades informing the public about the dangers of smoking. There are clear disclaimers warning consumers about the negative health aspects on every cigarette package and carton. Despite this, consumers continue making tobacco consumption a multibillion-dollar enterprise today. What’s next? Why not outlaw sugar in beverages that cause diabetes. How about ice cream?
At 18, you are old enough to vote, be a parent, pay taxes, own a car, take out a bank loan, serve in the military and die for your country — but not consume methanol-flavored cigarettes and cigars. This makes no sense.
What consenting adults consume, inhale including marijuana, methanol-flavored cigarettes or cigars, perform, read or view in the privacy of their own home or private social club isn’t the concern of the government. Individual economic and civil liberties prosper best when government stays out of both the bedroom and the marketplace.
I have never smoked cigarettes but respect the rights of those who do so long as they keep their distance from me.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
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